Introducing Windows 8

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About the Author

Jerry Honeycutt is an expert on Windows technologies and administration. He has written more than 25 books, including Microsoft Windows Desktop Deployment Resource Kit.

Intr

oducing Windows

8 An Over

view for IT Pr

ofessionals

ISBN: 978-0-7356-7050-1 Operating Systems/ Windows microsoft.com/mspress U.S.A. $14.99 Canada $15.99 [Recommended]

Note

This title is also available as a free eBook on the Microsoft Download Center

(microsoft.com/download) Get a head start evaluating Window 8—guided by a Windows

expert who’s worked extensively with the software since the preview releases. Based on final, release-to-manufacturing (RTM) software, this book introduces new features and capabilities, with scenario-based insights demonstrating how to plan for, implement, and maintain Windows 8 in an enterprise environment. Get the high-level information you need to begin preparing your deployment now.

Introducing Windows 8

Also see

ISBN: 9780735666139 ISBN: 9780735673229

Coming Soon ISBN: 9780735663817

Topics include:

•

Performance, reliability, and security features

•

Deployment options

•

Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit

•

Windows PowerShell™ 3.0 and Group Policy

•

Managing and sideloading apps

•

Internet Explorer® 10

•

Virtualization, Client Hyper-V®, and Microsoft® Desktop Optimization Pack

•

Recovery features

Jerry Honeycutt

An Overview for IT Professionals

®

Introducing

Windows 8

An Overview for

IT Professionals

spine = .35”

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PUBLISHED BY Microsoft Press

A Division of Microsoft Corporation One Microsoft Way

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Contents at a Glance

Introduction xi

CHAPTER 1 Overview 1

CHAPTER 2 Experienci ng Windows 8 11

CHAPTER 3 Windows 8 for IT pros 23

CHAPTER 4 Preparing for deployment 41

CHAPTER 5 Deploying Windows 8 53

CHAPTER 6 Delivering Windows apps 71

CHAPTER 7 Windows 8 recovery 91

CHAPTER 8 Windows 8 management 105

CHAPTER 9 Windows 8 security 117

CHAPTER 10 Internet Explorer 10 129

CHAPTER 11 Windows 8 virtual ization 137

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v

What do you think of this book? We want to hear from you! Microsoft is interested in hearing your feedback so we can continually improve our books and learning resources for you. To participate in a brief online survey, please visit:

microsoft.com/learning/booksurvey

Chapter 2 Experiencing Windows 8

11

Like Windows 7—Only better . . . .12

Exploring the Weather app 13

Returning to the Start screen 13

Organizing Tiles into groups 14

Pinning Tiles to the Start screen 14

Showing administrative tools 15

Finding and launching apps quickly 16

Searching for files and settings 16

Switching between open apps 17

Using the App Switcher 18

Snapping apps to the screen edges 19

Closing an open app 20

Improvements to tools . . . .20

File Explorer 20

Task Manager 21

Summary. . . .22

Chapter 3 Windows 8 for IT pros

23

Reimagined system applications . . . .24

Windows Task Manager 24

Windows Explorer 26

File history 27

Customizing and configuring Windows 8 . . . .28

Profile customization 28

Tile configuration 29

PC Settings 29

Client Hyper-V . . . .30 Redesigned NTFS health model and chkdsk . . . .31

Key design changes 31

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vii Contents

Windows PowerShell 3.0 . . . .33

New features 33

Integrated Scripting Environment (ISE) 34 Networking enhancements . . . .35

BranchCache 35

DirectAccess 37

Mobile broadband support 37

IPv6 Internet support 38

Remote Server Administration Tools . . . .38 Windows Server 2012 . . . .39

Virtualization 39

ReFS 39

Summary. . . .40

Chapter 4 Preparing for deployment

41

Windows 8 SKUs . . . .41 Application compatibility . . . .44

ACT 6.0 improvements 44

Common compatibility problems 45

User state migration . . . .47 Deployment strategies . . . .48 New deployment scenarios . . . .50

Windows To Go 50

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure 50

Client Hyper-V 51

Summary. . . .51

Chapter 5 Deploying Windows 8

53

Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit . . . .54

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Windows Preinstallation Environment 55

User State Migration Tool 55

Volume Activation Management Tool 56

Windows Performance Toolkit 56

Windows Assessment Toolkit 56

Windows Assessment Services 56

Deployment options . . . .57 Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2012 Update 1 57

System Center 2012 Configuration Manager with SP1 58

Desktop virtualization 60

Windows To Go . . . .60

Preparation and requirements 60

Management and security 64

Windows To Go workspace creation 66

Summary 68

Chapter 6 Delivering Windows apps

71

A look at Windows apps . . . .71

Windows app lifecycle 73

Building a Windows app . . . .73 Using Visual Studio to build a Windows app 76 Distributing in the Windows Store . . . .80

The certification process 81

The app purchase experience 81

Distributing within an Enterprise . . . .82

Sideloading an app 83

Managing Windows apps . . . .86 Summary. . . .89

Chapter 7 Windows 8 recovery

91

The Windows Recovery Environment . . . .91

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ix Contents

Refresh and reset . . . .95

Refresh your PC 96

Reset your PC 97

Customizing the Windows Recovery Environment . . . .97

Building a customized Windows RE 98

Enhanced recovery with DaRT . . . .99 Summary. . . .102

Chapter 8 Windows 8 management

105

Windows PowerShell . . . .107 Group Policy improvements . . . .109

PowerShell GPO management 110

New functionality 111

AppLocker 111

System Center 2012 Configuration Manager . . . .112

Redesigned management console 112

Infrastructure improvements 113

Expanded reporting options 113

Mobile device support 113

System Center 2012 Endpoint Protection 114 Windows Intune . . . .114

Cloud management 115

Company portal 115

Summary. . . .115

Chapter 9 Windows 8 security

117

Protecting the client against threats . . . .117

Boot options for security 118

SmartScreen 119

Vulnerability mitigation and sandboxing 120 Protecting sensitive data . . . .121

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Advanced administration of BitLocker with MBAM 123 Secure access to resources . . . .126

Virtual smart cards 126

Dynamic Access Control 126

Summary. . . .127

Chapter 10 Internet Explorer 10

129

Using Internet Explorer for the desktop . . . .129 Using Internet Explorer . . . .130 New interface and new usage patterns 131 New features in Internet Explorer 10 . . . .133 Group Policy in Internet Explorer 10 . . . .134

New Group Policies 135

Changed Group Policies 136

Summary. . . .136

Chapter 11 Windows

8

virtualization

137

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure . . . .138 Choosing the right VDI deployment . . . .139 Complete desktop virtualization . . . .142

Application virtualization 142

User state virtualization 144

Client Hyper-V . . . .145 Summary. . . .146

Index 147

What do you think of this book? We want to hear from you! Microsoft is interested in hearing your feedback so we can continually improve our books and learning resources for you. To participate in a brief online survey, please visit:

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xi

Introduction

T

he Windows 8 operating system is the newest member of the Windows family. It’s different than earlier Windows releases as much for what it does not change as for what it does change. That is, the features that IT pros loved about Windows 7 are still there in Windows 8—just better. The same keyboard shortcuts, management tools, security features, and deployment options are available in Windows 8. But in many cases, Windows 8 improves them in intuitive

and significant ways. Random examples are the ribbon in File Explorer and faster

disk encryption when using BitLocker Drive Encryption. This book describes these enhancements plus many of the new features in Windows 8.

Of course, everyone is talking about the new user interface in Windows 8: the Start screen, the modern looking windows graphics, and so on. These are not replacements for the desktop, and it is not an either-or choice that you have to make. For desktop apps, the same desktop that you used in Windows 7 is still

there in Windows 8. You can still pin apps to the taskbar, pin files to those apps,

and so on. The keyboard and mouse work the same way as it did before on the desktop. But Windows 8 uses a Start screen instead of the tiny Start menu in

Windows 8. The most obvious benefit is that there is more real estate available

and so apps can display dynamic, live information on their tiles (icons) to bring the latest information to you at a single glance.

Windows 8 also introduces Windows 8 apps. These are full screen, immersive apps that provide a different experience than you might be used to with

traditional desktop apps. They do not have chrome. App commands (menu items) only appear when you need them. Importantly, Windows 8 and Windows 8 apps

provide a first-class touch experience, so you can swipe, flick, and use other

intuitive gestures to get around them.

This book describes these new and improved features. It focuses on IT pros, however, so we spend fewer pages talking about the new user interface and more talking about management, deployment, and security. This book is just an introduction, an overview. For more detailed information about any of the features and capabilities you learn about in this book, the one resource you need to know about is the Springboard Series on TechNet. The URL is simply

http://www.microsoft.com/springboard.

Introduction

Acknowledgments About the Author Errata & book support We want to hear from you Stay in touch

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Acknowledgments

We’d like to thank following people who contributed content to this book: Doug Steen, Steve Suehring, Chris Howie. We’d also like to think our reviewers: Brad McCabe, Chris Hallum, Craig Ashley, David Trupkin, Fred Pullen, Jason Leznek, Michael Niehaus, Richard Harrison, Skand Mittal, Stephen Rose.

About the Author

Jerry Honeycutt owns Honeycutt Inc., a production company specializing in producing technology media. He has authored more than 40 books about technology.

Errata & book support

We’ve made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this book and its companion content. Any errors that have been reported since this book was published are listed on our Microsoft Press site at oreilly.com:

http://go.microsoft.com/FWLink/?Linkid=263528

If you find an error that is not already listed, you can report it to us through the

same page.

If you need additional support, email Microsoft Press Book Support at

[email protected].

Please note that product support for Microsoft software is not offered through the addresses above.

We want to hear from you

At Microsoft Press, your satisfaction is our top priority, and your feedback our most valuable asset. Please tell us what you think of this book at:

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The survey is short, and we read every one of your comments and ideas. Thanks in advance for your input!

Stay in touch

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1

C H A P T E R 1

Overview

■ Why Windows 8? 1

■ What’s new for Windows 8? 3 ■ Hardware recommendations 6 ■ Hardware innovation 7 ■ Windows 8 editions 9

■ Getting started with Windows 8 9 ■ Summary 10

W

indows 8 is the newest member of the Windows family, and everyone at Microsoft

is very excited about it. Microsoft reimagined Windows 8 to reflect the way people

work and play, the devices they want to use, and the explosion of social media. You might be tempted to think that Windows 8 simply is a consumer release—and there are certainly a lot of great new features that consumers are going to love—but Windows 8 has a lot for businesses and IT pros, too.

The new user interface and app model enable businesses to create their own line-of-business (LOB) apps to help improve users’ productivity. The operating system improves on the fundamentals, such as speed, reliability, and security. Lastly, Windows 8 works with your existing infrastructure but also offers new ways to deploy and manage users’ desktop environments.

This chapter provides an overview of Windows 8, beginning with answering the question, “Why?” Then it describes essential details, like hardware requirements and editions, and closes by telling you how you can begin evaluating it for your business today.

Why Windows 8?

Users have broad access to consumer devices (e.g., laptop PCs, tablet PCs, and mobile phones using modern technology) at home, and this device proliferation leads to higher user expectations of technology at work. You don’t need an analyst to tell you that users have more personal computing devices and that those devices are often compelling.

C h a p t e r 1

Overview

Why Windows 8?

Experiences and devices Enterprise-grade solutions What’s new for Windows 8?

End-to-end security

Manageability and virtualization Hardware recommendations

Hardware innovation Touch

Long battery life Thinner, lighter, faster Sensors and security New form factors Windows 8 editions

Getting started with Windows 8 Summary

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The digital generation entering the work place raises these expectations to a whole new

level. This is a generation that has grown up completely fluent with digital technology

(e.g., texting, instant messaging, and social media). They are digital natives and have

significantly different beliefs about the tools they should be able to use at work.

Digital natives are also increasingly mobile and operate at a very fast pace. Their quick pace, combined with ubiquitous connectivity, blurs the lines between people’s work and personal lives. As those lines blur, their personalities and individual work styles impact how they get their work done and what technology they prefer to use. As a result, they want a say in the technologies they use to get their jobs done.

This trend is aptly called the “consumerization of IT.” An example of consumerization is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, where users can bring their own laptop PC, tablet PC, or smartphone to work and use them to access a work desktop hosted in the datacenter. Another example is the use of social networking at work—for work.

It’s certainly not a secret that people buy their own smartphones for work, use unapproved websites, or download unapproved applications on a work PC. They do so because the technology that they use at home is often better than the technology available on the job.

Consumerization of IT is great, as it unleashes people’s productivity and passion,

innovation, and competitive advantage. We believe in the power of saying “Yes” to users and their technology requests in a responsible way. Our goal at Microsoft is to partner with IT to enable you to embrace these trends but also ensure the environment remains secure and well managed.

While Microsoft knows that embracing the consumerization of IT can be challenging, the company’s strategy can help overcome those challenges. That strategy is to:

■ Provide the experiences and devices that users love and expect.

■ Deliver enterprise-grade solutions that you can use to manage and secure them. The following sections describe how Windows 8 is a key part of this strategy.

Experiences and devices

Microsoft knows that business users often have to choose between convenience and productivity. Windows 8 tablets (i.e., x86 tablets) offer users a no-compromise tablet

experience. Windows 8 delivers a touch-first experience along with full support for mouse

and keyboard. It’s a no-compromise experience that gives users the convenience and mobility of a tablet combined with the power and familiarity of a full PC. Users can move effortlessly between work and personal activities. Not only that, but users can have a connected experience with apps from the Windows Store while continuing to use the same desktop LOB and productivity apps they currently use on Windows 7. Finally, Windows 8 offers new possibilities for mobile productivity.

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What’s new for Windows 8? Chapter 1 3

Enterprise-grade solutions

Windows 8 also offers enterprise-grade solutions:

■ Enhanced end-to-end security From the client device to back-end infrastructure, Windows 8 offers features that improve the security and reliability of the systems in your company. From power-on to power-off, Windows 8 can provide a more secure foundation to help keep businesses running and users productive.

■ Management and virtualization advancements Windows 8 includes

enhancements to manageability and virtualization features that help you manage client PCs. For example, Windows To Go provides new ways to give users a super mobile desktop experience on almost any PC. (For more information about Windows To Go, see Chapter 5, “Deploying Windows 8.”)

What’s new for Windows 8?

Windows 8 focuses on users’ lives. It is beautiful. Fast. Fluid. It’s also perfect for a range of devices. This includes PCs, of course, but also compact, touch-enabled tablet PCs; lightweight

laptops; and large, powerful all-in-one PCs with high-definition screens.

Windows 8 is smooth and intuitive. Users have instant access to the information they care about most, like their contacts, apps, and other information. They can spend less time looking for information and more time doing things with it.

But all that is the consumer story. What about IT pros? The following sections provide a quick look at some of the really interesting new features for IT pros. Of course, the remainder of this book provides more information about these features.

End-to-end security

The following list describes new and enhanced security features in Windows 8: ■ Trusted boot Some malware programs target the boot process and insert

themselves into the system before Windows or antimalware software is able to start. Because of this, the ability of Windows or the antimalware software to protect the system might be compromised. With UEFI 2.3.1 equipped devices, the UEFI Secure Boot feature helps to ensure that malware is not able to start before Windows 8. The Windows 8 Trusted boot feature protects the integrity of the remainder of the

boot process, including the kernel, system files, boot critical drivers, and even the antimalware software itself. The system’s antimalware software is the first third-party

application or driver to start. Moving antimalware into the Trusted boot process prevents it from being tampered with. In the event that malware is able to successfully tamper with the boot process, Windows can automatically detect and repair the system.

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■ Measured boot On Trusted Platform Module (TPM)–based systems, Windows 8 can perform a comprehensive chain of measurements during the boot process that can be used to further validate the boot process beyond Trusted boot. Measured boot process enables all aspects of the boot process to be measured, signed, and stored in a TPM chip. This information can be evaluated by a remote service to further validate a computer’s integrity before granting it access to resources. This process is called Remote Attestation. ■ BitLocker Drive Encryption BitLocker Drive Encryption is a data protection feature

in Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Enterprise editions that helps protect data theft from lost, stolen, or inappropriately decommissioned computers. BitLocker now encrypts

hard drives more quickly, helping to keep data safe without significantly interrupting

worker productivity.

BitLocker now supports encrypted drives, which are hard drives that come

pre-encrypted from the manufacturer. BitLocker offloads the cryptographic operations

to hardware, increasing overall encryption performance and decreasing CPU and power consumption.

On devices without hardware encryption, Bitlocker encrypts data more quickly. BitLocker allows you to choose to encrypt the used space on a disk instead of the entire disk. As free space is used, it will be encrypted. This results in a faster, less disruptive encryption of a hard drive, so that enterprises can more easily provision BitLocker, and they can do it with little time impact. In addition, the user experience is improved by allowing a standard user, one without administrative privileges, to reset the BitLocker PIN.

■ AppLocker AppLocker is a simple and flexible mechanism that allows you to specify exactly which apps are allowed to run on users’ PCs. Traditional access control technologies such as Active Directory Rights Management Services and Access Control Lists (ACLs) help control the data users are allowed to access. However, these technologies can’t prevent users from installing or using non-standard software. In Windows 8 Enterprise editions, AppLocker enables you to create security policies through Group Policy to prevent potentially harmful or other non-approved apps from running. With AppLocker, you can set rules based on a number of properties, including the signature of the application’s package or the app’s package installer, and can more effectively control apps with less management.

■ Windows SmartScreen Windows SmartScreen app reputation is a safety feature in Windows 8. This service provides application reputation-based technologies to help protect users from malicious software that they may encounter on the Internet. This technology checks the reputation on any new application, helping to keep users safe no matter what browser they use in Windows 8. This helps to prevent malware

and other viruses from infiltrating your organization. The Windows SmartScreen app

reputation feature works with the SmartScreen feature in Internet Explorer, which also protects users from websites seeking to acquire personal information such as usernames, passwords, and billing data.

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What’s new for Windows 8? Chapter 1 5 ■ Claim-based access control Claim-based access control enables you to set up and

manage usage policies for files, folders, and shared resources.

With Windows 8, you can dynamically allow users access to the data they need based on the user’s role in the company. Unlike previous statically-controlled security groups, Claim-based access control allows you to dynamically control access to corporate resources based on the user and device properties that are stored in Active Directory.

For example, a policy can be created that enables individuals in the finance group to have access to specific budget and forecast data, and the human resources group to have access to personnel files.

Chapter 9, “Windows 8 security,” provides more information about these security features.

Manageability and virtualization

The following list describes some of the new manageability and virtualization features in Windows 8:

■ Client Hyper-V Client Hyper-V on Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Enterprise is a robust virtualization platform that enables IT Pros and developers to run diverse client and server environments on their Windows 8 PCs. You can test and manage multiple environments from a single PC, allowing you to evaluate changes in a test environment in advance of deploying to a production environment. With support for wireless networking and sleep and hibernate modes, Client Hyper-V can run on any Second Level Address Translation (SLAT)–enabled 64-bit PC, including most Intel- and AMD-based laptops. Virtual Machines (VMs) can be migrated easily between server

and Client Hyper-V without modification, making developers and IT pros more efficient. Client Hyper-V also supports both 32-bit and 64-bit guest operating

systems. Client Hyper-V leverages the security enhancements in Windows 8 and can be managed easily by existing IT tools such as System Center. For more information about Client Hyper-V, see Chapter 11, “Windows 8 virtualization.”

■ Windows PowerShell Management tasks are simplified with Windows PowerShell automation. Windows PowerShell provides easy-to-learn language syntax. New features in the Windows PowerShell Integrated Scripting Environment (ISE) make it easier and faster for both new and experienced users to author clear, maintainable, production-ready automation scripts. IntelliSense tap completion, snippets, and GUI-based search features provide improved cmdlet discovery, making it easier

to find and run any of the 1,200 new high-level, task-oriented cmdlets. For more

information about Windows PowerShell, see Chapter 8, “ Windows 8 management.” ■ Testing, deployment, and migration Deploying Windows 8 in your

organization is faster and easier than Windows 7. Enhanced tools help you make the right decisions with minimal downtime for users. A new version of the Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) helps you understand potential application

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compatibility issues by identifying which apps are or are not compatible with Windows 8. ACT helps you to deploy Windows 8 more quickly by helping to prioritize, test, and detect compatibility issues with your apps.

Migrating user data from a previous Windows installation can be automated with the User State Migration Tool (USMT). This tool now supports migrating user data from Windows XP installations. With the end of support for Windows XP approaching, now is a great time to plan your migration to Windows 8.

For more information about deploying Windows 8, see Chapter 5, “Deploying Windows 8.”

■ Refresh and Reset your PC Windows 8 helps streamline the recovery process for PCs. Refresh your PC and Reset your PC allow users to restore their Windows 8 installation and more easily get their systems up and running again. Even when Windows 8 cannot start, you can use these new features from within the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE). Refresh your PC allows users to reinstall

Windows 8 while maintaining their personal files, accounts, and personalization

settings. These features make it faster and easier to get a PC up and running again. For more information about Refresh your PC and Reset your PC, see Chapter 7, “Windows 8 recovery.” This chapter also describes the Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset, which provides more advanced troubleshooting and recovery tools that are built into Windows 8.

■ Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Powered by Window Server 8, Microsoft VDI provides the best value for virtual desktops today. The new Remote Desktop client in Windows 8 works with VDI. Windows Server 8 provides customers with deployment choices through a single platform and a consistently rich user experience. Setting up a VDI environment is easy with the simple setup wizard, and managing

your VDI environment is simple with administration, intelligent patching, and unified management capabilities. Features such as user profile disks and Fair Share ensure high performance and flexibility, whereas support for lower-cost storage and sessions

help reduce the cost of VDI. In addition, Microsoft RemoteFX provides users with a rich, local-like desktop experience, with the ability to play multimedia, 3D graphics, use USB peripherals, and touch-enabled devices across any type of network (LAN

or WAN). All of these benefits are available across different types of VDI desktops

(personal VM, pooled VM, or session-based desktops). For more information about Windows 8 in a VDI environment, see Chapter 11, “Windows 8 virtualization.”

Hardware recommendations

Windows 8 provides a terrific experience on the same hardware that runs Windows 7.

Table 1-1 describes the hardware recommendations for Windows 8. In fact, you might even notice that PCs seem to work even better after upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8.

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Hardware innovation Chapter 1 7

TABLE 1-1 Windows 8 Hardware Recommendations

Component Recommendation

Processor 1 GHz or faster

Memory 32-bit PCs: 1 GB

64-bit PCs: 2 GB Hard disk space 32-bit PCs: 16 GB

64-bit PCs: 20 GB

Graphics card Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver Additionally, some Windows 8 features require other hardware components:

■ To use touch, you need a tablet or a monitor that supports multi-touch.

■ To access the Windows Store to download and run apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768.

■ To snap apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768.

Hardware innovation

Hardware innovation is broad in Windows 8, and there are a few key areas where Microsoft has worked extensively with its partners. The following sections describe some of the things you and your users will notice quickly about PCs built for Windows 8—either at work or at a retail store.

Touch

Touch is clearly front-and-center for Microsoft. For example, the company is requiring

that touch displays support a minimum of five fingers, and it is working with its partners to

deliver touch-optimized devices. To ensure a great user experience with touch, Microsoft has done extensive research into:

■ The response times required for touch.

■ The sensitivity and precision required of a digitizer. ■ The user experience of a flush bezel.

These requirements are enforced with the Windows 8 Hardware Certification Requirements. You can learn more about these requirements on the “Windows Hardware Certification” page

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Long battery life

One of the key design tenets of Windows 8 is to enable long battery life. With Windows 8, a new class of ultrathin PCs and tablets can turn on instantly, can run all day on a single charge, and stay connected to the Internet—so users’ PCs are ready when they’re ready.

Thinner, lighter, faster

As you have seen with today’s ultrabooks, PCs are already thinner and lighter than ever. This will only continue with Windows 8. There will be thin and light tablets and ultra-portables that start and run faster than today’s PCs. Even installing Windows 8 on an existing PC will improve its performance because of the improvements we’ve made in the core operating system.

Sensors and security

With Windows 8, Microsoft will enable developers to take advantage of hardware innovation such as:

■ Low-power Bluetooth ■ GPS

■ Gyroscopes ■ Accelerometer

You’ll also be able to take advantage of security hardware technologies like Trusted

Platform Module (TPM) and Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) boot.

New form factors

Microsoft believes that users should have a choice. To that end, PCs will come in a variety of form factors, from tablets to convertibles to ultra-portables to all-in-one PCs. One day, you might even see designs that you would not have thought possible. Together with its OEM partners, Microsoft will provide great devices for every work style:

■ Devices for executives that are innovative, portable, powerful.

■ Devices optimized for enterprise knowledge workers and everyday business tasks. ■ Devices that are specialized and unique for specific tasks.

■ Industrial devices like ruggedized machines in oil rigs and manufacturing lines. ■ Varieties of companion devices that present new and fun possibilities.

Devices for Windows 8 are about choices, because Microsoft believes the device has to fit

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Getting started with Windows 8 Chapter 1 9

Windows 8 editions

Chapter 4, “Preparing for deployment,” contains a table that describes the specific features you will find in each edition of Windows 8. For now, the following list summarizes them:

■ Windows 8 Windows 8 is the basic stock-keeping unit (SKU) for home users. It includes the core feature set that home users require but does not include key business features, such as support for the ability to join domains, process Group Policy, and so on. ■ Windows 8 Pro Windows 8 Pro is for small- and medium-sized businesses. It delivers

new levels of productivity, security, and mobility—without sacrificing performance or

choice. It provides enhanced features that help to easily connect to company networks,

access files on the go, encrypt data, and more.

■ Windows 8 Enterprise Windows 8 Enterprise edition is available through Windows Software Assurance. It includes all the capabilities of Windows 8 Pro, plus premium features designed to meet the mobility, productivity, security and manageability, and virtualization needs of today’s large businesses. Key examples are Windows To Go, DirectAccess, BranchCache, AppLocker, VDI, and Windows 8 app deployment. You will learn about these features in this book.

■ Windows RT Devices Windows RT Devices run low-powered ARM processors, which helps OEMs build devices with long battery lives and new form factors (thin, light, and

sleek devices). Also, Windows RT Devices are built on a new paradigm (preconfigured system on certified hardware), which helps ensure that users have high-quality and

predictable experiences over time. Although Windows RT Devices offer the great

benefits this chapter just mentioned, they have commonality and shared code with

Windows 8, offering a consistent, great Windows experience. For example, Windows RT Devices support the new UI (including desktop). Both Windows RT Devices and Windows 8 can run apps from the Windows Store. Windows RT Devices are compatible with most peripherals, because they include class drivers for most peripherals, and the majority of mice, keyboards, printers, and USB storages are supported out of the box.

Getting started with Windows 8

Microsoft makes getting started with your Windows 8 evaluation easy. MSDN and TechNet subscribers can download Windows 8 from the subscriber downloads area. You can also download a Windows 8 Enterprise evaluation from the Downloads page on TechNet at

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You can evaluate Windows 8 in a VM. By doing so, you will experience the vast majority of features that this book describes. If you want to experience touch, however, then you must install Windows 8 on a PC with a touch-enabled display or a tablet PC.

Summary

As this chapter described, Windows 8 offers strong value to IT pros. Microsoft is delivering on its commitment to deliver experiences and devices that users want, along with

enterprise-grade solutions that provide end-to-end security, management, and security. The remainder of this book provides more information about the features you learned about in this chapter.

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11

C H A P T E R 2

Experiencing Windows 8

■ Like Windows 7—Only better 12 ■ Improvements to tools 20 ■ Summary 22

C

onsumers often say that they have to choose between the full productivity experience of a PC and the convenience of a tablet. Tablets historically presented productivity challenges, because most business desktop apps don’t run on non-Windows

tablets. Tablets also challenged IT because it can be difficult to manage and secure

non -Windows tablets.

However, with an x86 Windows 8 tablet, users can have a no-compromise tablet experience, so choosing between productivity and convenience is no longer necessary. Microsoft Windows 8 gives users productivity, convenience, and mobility. They can use the familiar Windows user interface, their desktop line-of-business (LOB) and productivity apps, and peripherals that they use today on Windows 7.

Windows 8 delivers a touch-first experience, along with full support for mouse and

keyboard, enabling users to move between work and personal activities easily and effortlessly. The Windows 8 user interface provides quick access to critical data, and Windows 8 apps are always on and always connected to help keep them up to date.

IT pros don’t need to compromise either. Windows 8 provides the manageability and security that you need. Also, you can take advantage of your existing management and security infrastructure for managing Windows 8 tablets.

In both cases, features that were great in Windows 7 are even better in Windows 8. With Windows 8, users have the best of both worlds: a powerful new way of working

with their PCs and the flexibility and power of the Windows desktop. And Windows 8

extends the deployment, management, and virtualization capabilities of Windows 7 with new capabilities.

C h a p t e r 2

Experiencing Windows 8

Like Windows 7—Only better Exploring the Weather app Returning to the Start screen Organizing Tiles into groups Pinning Tiles to the Start screen Showing administrative tools Finding and launching apps quickly

Searching for files and settings

Switching between open apps Using the App Switcher

Snapping apps to the screen edges Closing an open app

Improvements to tools File Explorer Task Manager Summary

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Like Windows 7—Only better

Windows 8 uses the same management tools that you already use to support Windows 7

in your organization. Tools like System Center 2012 Configuration Manager, Microsoft

Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2012, and the Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (DaRT) have been updated for Windows 8—not just updated, but really enhanced.

Additionally, Windows 8 contains all of the security and reliability features that you’ve come to expect from Windows. As you’ll learn in this book, the changes in Windows 8 are incremental from Windows 7. For an IT pro, these changes enhance supportability and security. For example, there are new refresh and recovery options available with Windows 8. This means that you’ll spend less time supporting Windows 8.

The Windows 7 desktop features you love, like Jump Lists, the Taskbar, and Snapping, are still there in Windows 8. You can pin items to the taskbar in Windows 8 and you can use thumbnails in Windows 8 too. The desktop experience is just like Windows 7.

To provide a no-comprise tablet experience, the Windows 8 user interface is optimized for

touch. But the keyboard and mouse are still first-class input methods in Windows 8. Figure 2-1

illustrates how you can perform the same tasks with both the touch interface and by using the mouse. The important thing to remember about the Windows 8 user interface is:

■ Touch is about the edges. ■ Mouse is about the corners.

To be more specific, you can swipe in from the top, bottom, left, or right edges of the

screen to perform tasks. But you can also click the corners of the screen with the mouse to

accomplish the same tasks. For example, to search for a file, you can swipe in from the right

edge and tap the Search icon or you can click the top-right corner of the screen and click the Search icon. Whereas you swipe in from the top edge of the screen to display app commands, you simply right-click with the mouse (just like you do in Windows 7).

TOUCH MOUSE TOUCH MOUSE Point to the lower-right

corner of the screen.

Point to the bottom of the app and use the scrollbar.

Press the Ctrl key while moving the mouse wheel to zoom in and out. Click an item to perform an action.

Right-click the app to see the app commands. Drag an app to the lower edge to close. Point to an item to see more options.

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Like Windows 7—Only better Chapter 2 13 Using Windows 8 is intuitive and easy. However, Windows 8 provides excellent Help

that you can use to learn about the gestures, mouse, and keyboard shortcuts available. The following sections provide a brief hands-on tour of the Windows 8 user interface, which can help you get up to speed quickly if you follow along on your own PC running Windows 8.

Exploring the Weather app

Windows 8 apps put content before chrome. They are elegant. They are immersive. And they provide a consistent, compelling user experience. Complete the following steps to open and use the Windows 8 Weather app:

1. On the Start screen, click (or tap) the Weather app. Notice how the Weather app uses the full screen.

2. Move your mouse to the bottom of the screen and scroll the app left and right (or drag

your finger right and left) to reveal more of the Weather app.

3. Click the minus sign (-) in the bottom-right corner of the screen (or pinch the Weather

app with two fingers), and click or tap Hourly Forecast.

4. To see the app commands available for the Weather app, right-click anywhere in the app (or swipe in from the top edge of the screen).

5. Click (or tap) Places, to view weather in different areas.

6. Right-click (or swipe from the top edge of the screen), and then click (or tap) World Weather to see the weather for different locations around the world.

Returning to the Start screen

The new Start screen has all of the information you care about in one place. Real-time updates about things like news, the weather, and what your friends are doing are all available right here. No searching is necessary—Tiles are the quick way to see it all. Returning to the Start screen in Windows 8 is just like opening the Start menu in Windows 7. The only difference is the addition of touch gestures. For example, you can use any of the following methods to return to the Start screen at any time:

■ Swipe in from the right edge of the screen and tap Start.

■ Move the mouse to the lower-right or upper-right corner of the screen, and click Start. ■ Move the mouse to the lower-left corner of the screen, and click.

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Organizing Tiles into groups

On your PC, the Start screen will eventually have many Tiles on it. You can group Tiles to

make them quicker and easier to find. Try the following on your Start screen:

■ Drag a Tile upward with your mouse or finger until it snaps out of place; then, drag it to left or right until you see a white separator, and drop it.

■ Drag a Tile to the bottom edge of the screen, but do not release it. Notice how the Start screen zooms out so you can see all of your groups and app Tiles. Continue dragging the Tile to the one that you moved previously. After the Start screen zooms

back in, drop the second Tile below the first one.

■ Click the minus sign (-) in the lower-right corner of the screen to zoom out; then, right-click a group and click Name Group.

■ To change the size of the Weather app Tile, right-click it (or swipe it a short distance up

[flick it]); then, click or tap Smaller in the App Commands. Notice that the Calendar app

Tile is now half its original size.

Pinning Tiles to the Start screen

The Start screen displays your most-used apps and live Tiles. Live Tiles update in real time to keep you constantly connected to the information you care about most. It is like pinning apps to the Start menu in Windows 7, but in a way that is alive with activity. Just like in Windows 7, you can pin additional apps to the Start screen anytime. Complete the following steps to pin the Computer app to the Start screen:

1. Right-click anywhere on the Start screen, and click All apps in App commands.

2. In the Windows System group, right-click Computer. Notice the commands available in the App Commands.

3. Click Pin to Start.

4. Return to the Start screen. Notice on the right end of the Start screen the Computer desktop app Tile. When you pin Windows 8 or desktop app Tiles to the Start screen, Windows 8 adds them to the right end of the Start screen.

5. Right-click the Computer desktop app Tile, and click Manage in App commands to open Computer Management.

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Like Windows 7—Only better Chapter 2 15

Showing administrative tools

IT pros like to keep their administrative tools handy. They also like keyboard shortcuts. Not only can you add administrative tools to the Start screen, but you can also open a menu of administrative tools quickly. Complete the following steps to see how you can quickly access administrative tools by using just the keyboard:

1. On the Start screen, press the Windows logo key + I, click Tiles. 2. Click Show administrative tools to change it to Yes.

3. Return to the Start screen. Notice all of the administrative tools on the right end of the Start screen.

4. Now press the Windows logo key + X. Notice the menu of administrative tools in the lower-left corner of the screen (Figure 2-2). Press Esc to close the menu.

NOTE You can also open the menu of administrative tools by using the mouse. Place the mouse pointer in the lower-left corner of the screen, and right-click to open it.

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Finding and launching apps quickly

In Windows 7, you can quickly run apps by pressing the Windows logo key, typing the name of the app, and pressing Enter. You can do the same thing in Windows 8. Complete the following steps to launch an app by searching for it:

1. On the Start screen, type maps, and press Enter. Notice that the Windows 8 Maps app opens immediately.

2. Return to the Start screen, and type powershell.

3. With Windows PowerShell already selected, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

4. On the User Account Control dialog box, click Yes. Notice that Windows PowerShell opened with elevated permissions.

5. Close Windows PowerShell.

Searching for files and settings

When you search in Windows 8, the results will include apps, settings, and files. You can even search across your apps. As a result, you can find the apps, files, and information you

care about most—quickly and simply. Complete the following steps to search for results that contain the word Windows, not just in your files but also across your apps:

1. On the Start screen, type windows. Notice how Windows 8 displays a list of apps that contains the word “Windows.” By default, the Start screen displays results for Apps. 2. On the right side of the search results, click Files. Notice that the search results show all

files on the computer that contain the word Windows in their file names or metadata.

3. On the left side, click Documents to limit the results to just documents. 4. Click Videos to limit the results to just pictures, as shown in Figure 2-3. 5. Press the Windows logo key + F, and click Internet Explorer. Notice that the

Windows 8 Internet Explorer app displays search results that contain the word “Windows.”

6. Click News. Notice that the News app displays articles that contain the word “Windows.”

TIP By default, the Start screen searches apps when you start typing. To search settings,

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FIGURE 2-3 Searching for files and settings.

Switching between open apps

You can switch to open Windows 8 apps by swiping in from the left edge of the screen. It’s a quick way to cycle through your open apps. To try it yourself:

1. On the Start screen, click Weather. 2. Return to the Start screen, and click News.

3. Return to the Start screen, and click Internet Explorer.

4. Swipe in from the left edge of the screen to switch to the next Windows 8 app. 5. Repeat step 3 to cycle through each open Windows 8 app.

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Using the App Switcher

The App Switcher (Figure 2-4) displays a thumbnail of each open Windows 8 app. Do any of the following to open the App Switcher and open a running Windows 8 app:

■ Swipe in from the left edge of the screen and, without lifting your finger, drag the app

back to the left edge of the screen. (The motion feels like drawing a right bracket [>]).

Notice the App Switcher on the left edge of the screen. You see a thumbnail for each open Windows 8 app. At the bottom of the App Switcher, you see the Start screen. ■ Press and hold the Windows logo key, repeatedly press Tab to highlight each running

Windows 8 app; then, release both keys to open the selected apps full screen. ■ Press Alt + Tab, just like you did in Windows 7, to quickly switch between apps. ■ Move the mouse pointer to the upper-left corner of the screen. Notice in the

upper-left corner of the screen a thumbnail for the next Windows 8 app. Also notice the hint along the left edge of the screen that the App Switcher is available. Click the mouse in the upper-left corner of the screen to bring in the next open app, or move the mouse pointer straight down the left edge of the screen to open the App Switcher.

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Snapping apps to the screen edges

You can snap Windows 8 apps to the left or right edges of the screen to share the screen with a second app (Figure 2-5), including desktop apps running on the Desktop. Complete the following steps to snap an app to the screen edges:

1. On the Start screen, click a Windows 8 app, such as the Weather app. The app will open full screen.

2. Press the Windows logo key + period (.) to snap the app to the right edge. 3. Press the Windows logo key + period (.) to snap the app to the left edge. 4. Press the Windows logo key + period (.) to restore the app to full screen.

5. Move the mouse to the top of the app, and notice that the mouse pointer has changed to a hand. Drag the app to the right edge of the screen to snap it to the right edge. 6. On the Start screen, click another Windows 8 app, such as the News app. Notice that

the first app snapped to the right edge of the screen never changes as you open

multiple apps. (For example, you can snap the Calendar app to the right edge of the screen, and keep it there while you work with multiple other apps.)

7. To make one app bigger and the other small, simply drag the app divider from one side of the screen to the other, and release it.

8. Drag the app divider to the left edge of the screen to unsnap the apps.

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Closing an open app

Windows 8 can suspend Windows 8 apps when they are idle in the background; however, you can close a Windows 8 app by throwing it away. Do either of the following to close an open Windows 8 app by throwing it away:

■ Swipe in from the top of the screen and, without lifting your finger, drag the app to the bottom of the screen.

■ You can also close an app by using the mouse: Place the mouse pointer at the top edge of the screen. (The mouse pointer changes to a hand.) Drag the app to the bottom of the screen to throw it away.

Improvements to tools

The Windows 8 experience is about more than just the Start screen and Windows 8 apps. It also offers improvements to the tools that you use every day, like File Explorer and Task Manager. The following sections describe some of these improvements.

File Explorer

File Explorer is the new Windows Explorer. File Explorer has quite a history, going all the way back to the days of MS-DOS. Over the years, the tool now known as File Explorer has evolved. It used to be called File Manager, and for a long time it was called Windows Explorer. With the release of Windows 8, Windows Explorer is now known as File Explorer.

File Explorer is used for file management tasks. Whether the task is to copy or move a file, to delete it or get its properties, when people use File Explorer they’re working with files and folders. With this in mind, File Explorer has been optimized for file management tasks. Frequently used commands, such as those related to copying and moving files, are available in a ribbon. Commands for accessing properties and creating new files and folders are

available in the same ribbon (Figure 2-6).

People share files more frequently today, and File Explorer provides a new Share menu

that contains frequently used commands such as zip and email, along with advanced sharing and security.

View options, which are also frequently used, have their own menu in File Explorer. You no longer need to go into Folder and Search Options and search through complex menus just to

see hidden items or file name extensions; those are now available with check boxes right in

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Improvements to tools Chapter 2 21

FIGURE 2-6 Ribbons in File Explorer.

File Explorer also has contextual menu options. When viewing a library such as the Picture library, you’ll see tools that make sense for working with pictures. There are contextual tools available for things like Video and other libraries as well. This gives you the tools you need for

the types of files you’re working with at a given time.

Task Manager

With the new Task Manager, you can quickly see running programs and can also end tasks if there is an issue. But IT pros and power users frequently want to see more information about the running tasks and the overall status of the system.

By clicking More Details, you see a significant amount of information about the processes

running on your PC, its performance, and so on (Figure 2-7). Merely looking at the available tabs reveals that there is a lot of information and many options here. Like File Explorer, the Task Manager interface has been redesigned to serve the needs of all types of users.

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FIGURE 2-7 More details in Task Manager.

Summary

Windows 8 reflects changes in today’s workplace by providing an immersive experience that

you and your users will love. It gives people the freedom to get their work done the way they want on the types of devices they want. Windows 8 builds on the foundation set by Windows 7. Features like File Explorer and Task Manager have been updated and enhanced for today’s users. These and other tools give you the ability to be more productive.

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23

C H A P T E R 3

Windows 8 for IT pros

■ Reimagined system applications 24 ■ Customizing and configuring Windows 8 28 ■ Client Hyper-V 30

■ Redesigned NTFS health model and chkdsk 31 ■ Windows PowerShell 3.0 33

■ Networking enhancements 35 ■ Remote Server Administration Tools 38 ■ Windows Server 2012 39

■ Summary 40

M

icrosoft Windows 8 is optimized for making your life as an IT pro easier. Increased functionality and innovative new features distinguish Windows 8 from all other previous operating systems. Windows 8 provides reimagined system applications, expanded user customization, new tools such as Windows PowerShell 3.0, and new functionality, such as integrated mobile broadband support. These additions, alongside redesigned Windows Server 2012 remote management features, make Windows 8 one of the most advanced operating system offerings from Microsoft—ever.

IT pros that have experience in Windows 7 will have no problem quickly learning to navigate through Windows 8. Its enhanced usability and new features make everything you need readily available. In addition to feature upgrades, accessibility, and expanded

functionality, significant improvements have been made in areas such as startup

and shutdown times and general performance. This chapter explains some of the key improvements and added features for the Windows 8 operating system that are

specifically important to IT pros.

C h a p t e r 3

Windows 8 for IT pros

Reimagined system applications Windows Task Manager Windows Explorer File history

Customizing and configuring Windows 8 Profile customization

Tile configuration

PC Settings Client Hyper-V

Redesigned NTFS health model and chkdsk Key design changes

New NTFS health model Windows PowerShell 3.0

New features

Integrated Scripting Environment (ISE) Networking enhancements

BranchCache DirectAccess

Mobile broadband support IPv6 Internet support Remote Server Administration Tools Windows Server 2012

Virtualization ReFS

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Reimagined system applications

For IT pros, Windows 8 is just like Windows 7— but better. Features that were great in Windows

7 were redesigned to be even more efficient and provide more functionality. Windows 8 provides a flexible platform for a wide variety of applications and devices. Most of the familiar applications that IT pros use are exactly the same but with a renewed, simplified layout. Many

system features such as Performance Monitor or Windows Services, look nearly identical to their Windows 7 predecessors. Some applications have gained increased functionality. For example, Windows Defender now offers malware protection as well as spyware protection. If you were a Windows 7 expert, then Windows 8 is going to be simple for you to learn and implement.

Making the transition from Windows 7 to Windows 8 is much easier than transitioning from Windows XP to Windows Vista or 7. Windows 8 is packed with new features that make your life as an IT pro easier. Some quick access and navigation features that are heavily used as an IT pro are still the same, such as Window key + R to open the Run dialog box. Also, many new quick access features have been added for convenience (e.g., Windows key + X to open a menu of administrator tools). Throughout this chapter are tips on new quick access features that make navigating Windows much quicker. Additionally, in an effort to improve Windows functionality, two of the most commonly used applications—Windows Task Manager and Windows

Explorer—have been infused with new features to enhance the user experience.

Windows Task Manager

Windows Task Manager is one of the most widely used tools in the Windows operating system. For IT pros, Windows Task Manager performs a vital role in maintaining healthy systems through troubleshooting resource issues. Virtually every IT pro has used Task Manager at some point to close an application or kill a process.

Since its introduction in Windows NT, it has been polished and improved with each operating system revision. Before Windows 8, IT pros were forced to use other tools to compliment Windows Task Manager, such as Sysinternals Process Explorer.

TIP To quickly access Windows Task Manager and many other system features in Windows 8, press Windows key + X.

The redesigned Windows Task Manager introduces new functionality, detailed data visualization, and an optimized user experience. It provides a simple “fewer details” option for standard users and a “more details” option that contains all of the intricate data that IT pros have been seeking from additional software. Figure 3-1 shows the redesigned Windows Task Manager found in Windows 8.

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Reimagined system applications Chapter 3 25

FIGURE 3-1 The new Windows 8 Windows Task Manager.

The redesigned Windows Task Manager is vastly more user friendly than previous versions. Top-level application windows can now be broken down into their components. This provides

users with the capability to close specific windows in an application, without closing the

application entirely.

In addition, commonly named processes like “svchost.exe” have also received this improved, more detailed layout. Also, friendly application and process names have replaced unrecognizable ones found in previous versions. For example, you will see “Print driver host for applications” in the place of its previous name “splwow64.exe.” Table 3-1 offers a quick description of the features found under each tab in Windows Task Manager.

TIP Don’t understand what a process, service, or application is? The new Windows Task Manager has a built-in “search online” feature. Simply right-click a process that you would like explained and select “search online.” You will automatically be directed to your default search engine’s results.

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TABLE 3-1 Windows Task Manager Tabs

Tab name Description

Processes This tab displays all active applications and processes. It also shows the status and cpu, memory, disk, and network usage for each. Memory, disk, and network usage

values can be filtered by percent or raw value. Using the new heat map feature,

background color intensity of the data indicates higher usage. This feature quickly

identifies resource-intensive applications and processes.

Performance This tab displays a system overview of resources, broken down into cpu, memory, disk drives, and Ethernet categories. You can also access the resource monitor from this page.

App History This new Windows Task Manager feature shows the cpu time and network usage for each installed application. The network usage is broken down by metered, upload/ download, and Tile update usage. This information can help troubleshoot network slowness possibly caused by an application.

Startup The startup tab was previously available in the system configuration menu in earlier

versions of Windows. It allows for customization of which programs run and their impact at startup. This feature has been improved by simplifying the provided

information and filtering it by application name, publisher, status, and startup

impact.

Users This feature of Windows Task Manager has been completely redesigned in Windows

8. Instead of only providing the name of active users, resources used by profile and active applications within the profile are also visible. This improves visibility of

resource allocation on machines with multiple user accounts.

Details This familiar tab is a remake of the previous performance tab found in the Windows 7 task manager. The details tab provides information regarding resource usage and user activation for the status of each application and process.

Services The services tab shares the same layout as in Windows 7. It allows users to start, stop, and view the status of all Windows services.

Windows Explorer

The redesigned Windows Explorer, named File Explorer, has been optimized for file

management tasks. It provides a streamlined command experience but remains a powerful tool. New features include advanced folder customization options, previously hidden explorer

features, and the ability to pause file transfers to free cpu usage.

One of the biggest changes in Windows Explorer is the ribbon tool bar. As found in Microsoft

Office 2010, menu options are displayed in an icon-filled ribbon toolbar for easy access.

TIP If you don’t know where an application, setting, or file is located, Windows key + Q navigates to Windows Search.

The reimagined toolbar hosts many hidden features that existed but were never used in previous versions of Windows Explorer toolbars. The new ribbon toolbar is laid out for

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Reimagined system applications Chapter 3 27

grouping them by context and relevance. This grouping makes finding commands predictable

and reliable. The ribbon layout also exposes a large set of commands while maintaining a

pleasant visual appearance. Specific sets of commands are visible when a user is working with specific file and folder types. For example, Figure 3-2 shows the toolbar available when inside

a user’s pictures folder.

FIGURE 3-2 File Explorer.

As shown in the figure, both Library Tools and Picture Tools menus are available. The new

Windows File Explorer toolbar focuses on the commands that are most used and combines them with additional commands relevant to the current folder contents. For example, there is no reason to have music tools available when you are in the videos folder.

For this reason, when you create a folder the new Windows File Explorer allows the folder to be optimized for different content, as shown in Figure 3-3. To optimize a folder, simply right-click the folder and select Properties. Optimizing the folder for pictures will force the picture toolbar to appear when you enter the folder.

FIGURE 3-3 Folder optimization.

File history

File history is a new feature in Windows 8. It allows a user to back up files to removable

media or a networked repository and retrieve them if they are lost or damaged. The user can customize exactly which folders are backed up and where the backup is stored. It also has an

integrated recovery feature that will cache backed up files on the primary volume for offline

access. For Enterprise use, this feature works well with DirectAccess because it allows remote

file share back up.

For more information on DirectAccess, see the section titled “DirectAccess” later in this chapter.

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Customizing and configuring Windows 8

Windows 8 is full of improvements that IT pros can appreciate. Just some of its many improvements include:

■ Better resource allocation. ■ Expanded device compatibility.

■ Innovative and completely customizable desktop. ■ Vastly improved Windows features.

Most advanced configuration options are exactly the same as in Windows 7. For example,

IT pros using features such as Key Management Service (KMS) and Multiple Activation Key (MAK) volume activation still have those features available. Also available is the familiar desktop found in Windows 7. Desktop applications run on the desktop, just like before.

TIP To navigate directly to the desktop, from any application, press Window Key + D. Along with the familiar desktop, the same security and reliability features found in Windows 7 exist in Windows 8. Windows 8 simply takes the stable and reliable core of Windows 7 and makes it better by adding advanced features and improved functionality. With Windows 8, all of the information and program shortcuts are found in one place—the new Windows Start screen. This new Start screen is easily customized and transferred to the

default profile via the System Preparation (Sysprep) tool.

NOTE Sysprep allows system administrators to take a specialized image for one PC and generalize it for use on other PCs. For more information on Sysprep go to: http://technet .microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh824816.aspx.

Profile customization

Profile customization in Windows 8 is simple. Both roaming and local profiles are available in Windows 8. Roaming profiles allow user customizations to be saved remotely and accessed on any Windows 8 machine. Local profiles are stored locally on the file system volume just like

those in previous versions of Windows. To manage the user experience for generated local

profiles, Sysprep is available in Windows 8. Default customizations can be packaged, just like

in Windows 7, and redeployed in the out-of-box experience (OOBE) after system imaging is performed.

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Customizing and configuring Windows 8 Chapter 3 29

One new profile customization feature reduces the necessity for multiple images in

an environment. Using Group Policy objects (GPOs) and AppLo